If you’ve visited The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT anytime over the last three decades, you’ve likely encountered Lil Joe, Inigo, or one of the other manatees who called the pavilion home. Since 1991, when the space was known as The Living Seas, Disney has cared for manatees as part of its long-term rehabilitation and conservation efforts. These gentle giants have inspired guests while serving as ambassadors for their species.
Now, The Seas is entering a new chapter. After more than 30 years of long-term manatee care, Disney is shifting its focus to short-term critical care, providing temporary rehabilitation for rescued manatees before releasing them back into the wild.
A Shift in Focus: Manatee Conservation Takes Center Stage
For years, The Seas with Nemo & Friends has been a sanctuary for marine animals, offering guests a closer look at these incredible creatures while contributing to critical research and rescue efforts. Now, Disney’s team is adjusting its approach to meet the growing need for manatee rescue and rehabilitation in Florida.
By collaborating with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Disney will now focus on providing short-term care for stable manatees, giving them time to recover before returning to the wild.
Dr. Jen, a veterinarian at Walt Disney World, explained, “As strandings increase, critical care facilities are becoming overwhelmed. By shifting our focus, we help relieve pressure on overcrowded facilities and boost our contribution to manatee conservation.”
Why Manatee Rescue Matters
Manatees—commonly known as “sea cows”—are gentle giants who face serious threats in the wild, from boat strikes and habitat loss to the devastating effects of red tide.
Between 2020 and 2022, an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) was declared after more than 2,000 manatees died due to a dramatic decline in seagrass, their primary food source. While conditions have improved, juvenile manatees continue to face challenges.
Disney’s move to short-term rehabilitation is a direct response to these ongoing challenges, helping more manatees recover and return to their natural habitat.
How The Seas Helps Save Manatees
At The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Disney has created a state-of-the-art rehabilitation environment with advanced tools for manatee care:
- A medical lift floor for safe, hands-on procedures
- On-site veterinary hospital with diagnostic tools like CT scans
- An advanced water filtration system, ensuring the highest water quality
According to Dr. Geoff, Disney’s Animal Health Director, “Our goal is to ensure manatees are healthy and strong enough for a successful release—usually within six to nine months.”
The Relocation of Lil Joe and Inigo
As part of this transition, longtime residents Lil Joe and Inigo were recently relocated to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Florida’s Panhandle. These beloved manatees will continue to receive care in their new home.
“The transport went smoothly,” said Dr. Jen, a Disney veterinarian. “It was bittersweet, but we’re excited for Lil Joe and Inigo to thrive in their new environment.”
What Guests Can Expect Moving Forward
Visitors to The Seas with Nemo & Friends will start seeing more young, juvenile manatees in need of rehabilitation. These animals will receive care before being released back into the wild, helping bolster the local manatee population.
“In manatee rehabilitation, success isn’t just about releasing the animals—it’s about seeing them thrive,” said Dr. Geoff. “With manatees, we can track their progress long after they’ve been released, which makes the program incredibly rewarding.”
Disney’s Legacy of Conservation
Disney’s work with the MRP and FWS is part of a larger commitment to protecting wildlife and inspiring future generations to care for the planet. By transitioning to short-term critical care, Disney can help even more manatees on their journey back to the wild.
So next time you visit The Seas with Nemo & Friends, keep an eye out for new faces—each manatee tells a story of rescue, recovery, and hope.
This Blog is based on content originally published by the Walt Disney Company Source link
